SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Observer
Land shark. PAGE 16A
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
VOLUME 20, NO. 2
YOUR TOWN
Quiet downtown neighborhood braces for big changes
A 242-unit apartment complex is headed toward Towles Court.
SEE PAGE 3A
Ian Swaby
Vanessa Stover teaches a lesson.
A stroke of generosity A disproportionate number of children living below the poverty line drown, said Lindsay Leary, owner of Aqua-Tots Swim Schools in Sarasota. But thanks to the community’s generosity, a partnership between the Aqua-Tots branch and First 1,000 Days Suncoast is helping address the problem, she said. During a make-up lesson drive by Aqua-Tots in November, families in the school’s program donated a total of 186 make-up swim lessons. Leary and her husband, David Leary, matched the first 100 donations for a total of 286. She said this means lessons will be offered to about 11 children in need selected by First 1,000 Days Suncoast. The initiative, now in its third year, has taken place each year since the school’s founding three years ago.
SNOWFLAKES AND SMILES The Sarasota Holiday Parade lets it snow community spirit. SEE PAGE 1B
Ian Swaby
Students at Jump Dance Co. celebrate as their snow machine is activated, just before the start of the parade.
Courtesy image
Dr. Jina Foltz and Tatiana Fernandez at The Flock SRQ
A+E
Flock this way
If it takes a village to raise healthy children, as the old saw says, then how do you find community in today’s modern, mobile, sometimes detached world? The Flock SRQ wants to answer that question with a hub for parents and their children to build community. The social club and indoor playhouse opened on Dec. 4 to foster a nurturing environment for children ages 4 and younger. The 1,900-square-foot playhouse, at 1977 Brother Geenen Way, opened to presale members Dec. 4 and will open to the public Dec. 8. Founders Tatiana Fernandez and Dr. Jina Foltz came up with the playhouse idea after Fernandez had her daughter. A variety of toys, including climbing toys, play kitchens and swings, are available for children at The Flock SRQ.
File photo
Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler has so far refused to resign his position, despite mounting pressure from Republican Party leadership.
Ziegler under investigation
More details come to light in an affidavit showing communications between Ziegler and his accuser. SEE PAGE 6A
Stocking stuffers. INSIDE